Promotional placement in media works

• US 20080077954A1
• Filed: 09/19/2007
• Published: 03/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Jung, Edward, Cohen, Alexander, Malamud, Mark, Tegreene, Clarence, Lord, Robert, Levien, Royce, Rinaldo, John, Mangione-Smith, William
• Granted Patent: US 9,065,979 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/32
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/036 Insert-editing
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/28 by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording G11B27/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/234 Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23418 involving operations for analysing video streams, e.g. detecting features or characteristics television picture signal circuitry for scene change detection H04N5/147; filtering for image enhancement G06T5/00; methods or arrangements for recognising scenes G06V20/00; arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition of video in broadcast systems H04H60/59
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23424 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for inserting or substituting an advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/234318 by decomposing into objects, e.g. MPEG-4 objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2668 Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. insertion of targeted commercials based on end-user profiles information retrieval from the Internet by querying with filtering and personalisation G06F16/9535; arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast H04H20/10; push services over packet-switching network H04L12/1859; adaptation of message content in packet-switching networks H04L51/063
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44 Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44008 involving operations for analysing video streams, e.g. detecting features or characteristics in the video stream arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition of video in broadcast systems H04H60/59
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44016 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for substituting a video clip
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4402 involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display details of conversion of video standards at pixel level H04N7/01; video transcoding H04N19/40; adapting incoming signals to the display format of the display terminal G09G5/005; media handling at the source in data packet switching networks H04L65/764
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47205 for manipulating displayed content, e.g. interacting with MPEG-4 objects, editing locally
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/485 End-user interface for client configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6587 Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands, viewpoint selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/165 Centralised control of user terminal subsequent to an upstream request signal H04N7/17345; Registering at central by two-way working H04N7/17309
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Abstract

A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Various techniques may be used to incorporate substitute altered content in a derivative version of the media work in accordance with applicable substitution guidelines.

Claims

1. A content substitution method for media works comprising:

identifying a constituent portion of an existing composite media work, wherein the constituent portion includes alterable content having one or more alterable component elements or designated aspects that publicize or promote a topic related to a real-world person or real-world entity or real-world venture; and

providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines regarding a proposed derivative version of the existing composite media work having substitute content to add or delete or modify or replace such alterable content.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

establishing an arrangement for something of value to be provided as consideration for incorporation of the substitute content in the proposed derivative version.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

obtaining substitute content that is suitable for incorporation as an integral component of the proposed derivative version.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:

obtaining suitable substitute content to publicize or promote a same or different topic that includes a product or service or activity.

5. The method of claim 3 further comprising:

obtaining suitable substitute content that includes a person or place or thing or object.

6. The method of claim 3 further comprising:

obtaining substitute content that includes a product or service or activity.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing one or more of the following type of approval techniques for obtaining compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines;

programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative version review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate content rating.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria applicable to substitute content for one or more of the following type of proposed derivative versions;

original, derived, archived, stored, master, edited, combined, mixed, merged, integrated, dubbed, captioned, subtitled, expurgated, uncut, preview, pre-release, final, special edition, animated, freeze frame, sequential still, translated, targeted, restricted access, promotional, sponsored, subsidized, contracted release, and specified purpose.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria applicable to substitute content for one or more of the following type of media formats for the proposed derivative version;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, data compression, and streaming format.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria applicable to substitute content for one or more of the following type of distribution channels for the proposed derivative version;

fund-raising, non-profit, theater, airplane viewing, Internet, network, television, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, pay-per-view, rental, lease, sale, domestic distribution, foreign distribution, exclusive distribution, non-exclusive distribution, shared, streamed, concurrent, foreign language, infomercial, live, real-time, delayed, and on-demand.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights regarding one or more of the following type of alterable content;

brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted work, name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation, certification, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of alterable content;

livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern, design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition, publication, document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character, and avatar.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of alterable content;

product, service, invention, accessory, vehicle, place, address, location, store, building, school, university, hospital, church, club, group, organization, and business.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria for alterable content previously associated with a real-world person or real-world entity or real-world venture having one or more of the following characteristics;

lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct, non-operative, disqualified, in default of obligation, status change, defective right, relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of prerogative, and expired authorization.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria based on a relevant communication from a real-world entity or a real-world person or real-world venture associated with the alterable content.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of alterable content associated with a real-world person;

name, face, personal characteristics, identity, residence, title, achievement, rank, medal, badge, award, identification features, biometric attribute, photographic image, voice recording, accent, dialect, recognizable personality trait, gesture, demeanor, mannerism, appearance, clothing, hairstyle, tattoo, accessory, jewelry, piercing, avatar, setting, item possession, and property ownership.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights for alterable content previously associated with a real-world person, in the event the real-world person has died or retired or otherwise changed status.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein said identifying a constituent portion includes:

identifying a constituent portion having one or more of the following type of alterable content;

frame, scene, setting, building, house, office, store, room, vehicle, car, boat, train, plane, street, town, and country.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein said identifying a constituent portion includes:

identifying a constituent portion having one or more of the following type of alterable content;

landscape, vegetation, packaging, labeling, arrangement, item display, items depicted, signage, informational sign, directional sign, seasonal setting, temporal setting, light intensity, directional lighting, shadow, character statement, and compass orientation.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria applicable to substitute content for one or more of the following type of proposed derivative versions;

demographic distribution, geographic distribution, specific distribution channel, targeted audience, recipient group, destination device, and restricted time period.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein said identifying a constituent portion includes:

identifying a constituent portion having one or more of the following type of alterable content;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria regarding one or more of the following type of alterable content;

related set of designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to one or more of the following type of content alteration criteria;

automatic, contingent, negotiable, tentative, recommended, required, and compensation.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria regarding one or more of the following type of pre-approved alteration parameters;

substitute component element, substitute designated aspect, substitution process, alternate media format, and alternate distribution channel.

26. The method of claim 1 wherein said identifying a constituent portion includes:

identifying a constituent portion having one or more of following type of alterable content;

plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, and credits.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines via a hyperlink incorporated in the existing composite media work.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines via a hyperlink incorporated in a website associated with the existing composite media work.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines includes:

providing accessibility to applicable alteration guidelines via one or more of the following;

website, email request, database, telephonic request, postal mail request, stored message, publication, and announcement.

30. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to original content of the existing composite media work.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising:

providing accessibility to the record of primary authorization rights.

32. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute content incorporated in the proposed derivative version.

33. The method of claim 32 further comprising:

providing accessibility to the record of secondary authorization rights.

7. (canceled)

34. A system for content alteration of an existing media work, comprising:

a composite media work that includes a constituent portion having alterable content that publicizes or promotes a topic related to a real-world person or real-world entity or real-world venture;

a data record of applicable alteration criteria or primary authorization rights regarding a proposed derivative version capable of incorporating substitute content to add or delete or modify or replace such alterable content, and

a listing that identifies such substitute content suitable for incorporation in the constituent portion of composite media work.

35. The system of claim 34 further comprising:

computerized apparatus operably coupled to the data record and to the listing; and

an access interface to the computerized apparatus.

36. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

a management module operably coupled to the computerized apparatus to coordinate compliance with the applicable alteration criteria or primary authorization rights.

37. The system of claim 34 comprising:

a further listing of the alterable content that includes one or more alterable component elements or designated aspects.

38. The system of claim 34 comprising:

another listing of one or more of the following type of possible content alterations;

related set of designated aspects, related set of alterable components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

39. The system of claim 34 wherein the data record further includes:

informational data regarding one or more of the following type of possible content alterations;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

40. The system of claim 34 wherein the data record further includes:

informational data regarding one or more of the following type of limitation applicable to the proposed derivative version;

alteration limitation, media format limitation, and distribution limitation.

41. The system of claim 34 wherein the data record further includes:

informational data regarding primary authorization rights applicable to initial content of the composite media work.

42. The system of claim 34 wherein the data record further includes:

informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute content suitable for incorporation in the proposed derivative version.

43. A computer program product comprising signal-bearing media having encoded instructions for executing the following process:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to alterable content that includes one or more component elements or designated aspects of a constituent portion of an existing composite media work;

identifying an alterable component element or designated aspect that publicizes or promotes a topic related to a real-world person or real-world entity or real-world venture; and

determining compliance with such content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights regarding a proposed derivative version incorporating substitute content to add or delete or modify or replace the alterable content included in the constituent portion.

44. The computer program product of claim 43 further comprising:

signal-bearing storage media with encoded instructions to execute the process.

45. The computer program product of claim 43 further comprising:

signal-bearing communication media with encoded instructions to execute the process.

46. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process feature providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights that identify one or more of the following type of targeted categories for the proposed derivative version;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, recipient group, targeted device, time period, and demographic distribution.

47. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process feature providing accessibility to content alteration criteria includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria that identifies one or more of the following type of limitations for the proposed derivative version;

distribution, media format, pre-approved alteration parameter, objectionable alteration, restricted alteration, and forbidden alteration.

48. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process feature providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights for a group set of related component elements or designated aspects capable of alteration.

49. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process further includes:

maintaining a record of content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights regarding an alterable component element or designated aspect that publicizes or promotes a topic related to a real-world entity or real-world venture.

50. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process further includes:

maintaining a record of content alteration criteria regarding an alterable component element or designated aspect that publicizes or promotes a topic related to a real-world person.

51. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process further includes:

maintaining a record of content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of possible content alteration;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

52. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process further includes:

maintaining a record of content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of possible content alteration;

music, setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animals, food, product, brand, and dialogue.

53. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein said process further includes:

maintaining a record of content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to possible content alteration of one or more of the following alterable content;

related set of designated aspects, related set of alterable components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

54. The computer program of claim 43, wherein said identifying an alterable component element or designated aspect that publicizes or promotes a topic includes:

identifying the following categories of alterable content incorporated in the existing composite media work;

brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted work, name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation, certification, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

55. The computer program of claim 43, wherein said identifying an alterable component element or designated aspect that publicizes or promotes a topic includes:

identifying the following type of alterable content incorporated in the existing composite media work;

livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern, design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition, publication, document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character, and avatar.

56. The computer program of claim 43, wherein said process feature identifying an alterable component element or designated aspect that publicizes or promotes a topic includes:

identifying the following type of alterable content incorporated in the existing composite media work;

product, service, invention, accessory, vehicle, place, address, location, store, building, school, university, hospital, church, club, group, organization, and business.

57. The computer program of claim 43, wherein said process feature identifying an alterable component element or designated aspect that publicizes or promotes a topic includes:

identifying the following type of alterable content associated with a real-world person;

name, face, personal characteristics, identity, residence, title, achievement, rank, medal, badge, award, identification features, biometric attribute, photographic image, voice recording, accent, dialect, recognizable personality trait, gesture, demeanor, mannerism, appearance, clothing, hairstyle, tattoo, accessory, jewelry, piercing, avatar, setting, item possession, and property ownership.

58. The computer program of claim 43, wherein said process further includes:

providing accessibility to content alteration criteria or primary authorization rights via one or more of the following;

website, email request, database, telephonic request, postal mail request, stored message, publication, and announcement.